Stage 1: Explore Scotland
Thinking about working as a doctor in Scotland? This stage helps you understand NHS Scotland, the places you could work, and the career pathways available to you.
This stage covers:
- Why Choose Scotland
- Scotland's Geography and Health Boards
- What's it Like to Work in NHS Scotland?
- Medical Career Pathways in Scotland
- Finding a Job in Scotland
- Working as a GP in Scotland
- Rural and Remote Careers
Focus: Understanding whether a career and life in Scotland are the right fit for you and your career.
If you have any questions about the information in this resource, or you feel there is information which would be useful to add, please get in touch with the Centre for Workforce Supply at nes.cws@nhs.scot.
Why Choose Scotland
Scotland offers a rewarding medical career alongside an excellent quality of life. From vibrant cities to remote and rural communities, doctors can access diverse clinical opportunities, supportive teams, and world-class education and training.
Whether you're taking your first NHS role or looking to advance your career, Scotland offers opportunities across a wide range of specialties, locations and career pathways.
Discover more information and guidance on the resources below.
Scotland's Geography and Health Boards
NHS Scotland delivers healthcare through:
- 14 Regional Health Boards
- 8 National Health Boards
- Services supporting more than 5 million people across urban, rural and island communities.
Explore and learn about different locations across NHS Scotland.
What's it Like to Work in NHS Scotland?
NHS Scotland is a values-led system. You will work alongside multidisciplinary teams who are committed to continuous improvement and share a common set of commitments:
Healthcare is delivered across a wide range of settings, from major teaching hospitals and specialist centres to community, rural and remote services, offering diverse career opportunities for doctors at every stage of their career.
Explore the principles, values and workforce policies that shape healthcare delivery in Scotland.
Medical Career Pathways in Scotland
There are several routes to build your medical career in Scotland. The right pathway depends on your qualifications, previous experience, registration status and long-term goals. There is no single correct route.
Good to know: Many consultants and GPs in Scotland began their NHS careers in clinical fellowship or non-training posts before progressing into training or specialist registration. There is no single "correct" route.
Visit the Scotland Deanery to explore further guidance, educational resources and support for medical training and career development in Scotland.
Finding a Job in Scotland
You can apply directly to an NHS Board, apply for specialty training, or start with a clinical fellowship to gain NHS experience first. You can search for vacancies with one of our 22 health boards and also set up a job alert on NHS Scotland Jobs for your specialty and preferred Boards.
Foundation Training in Scotland
The Foundation Programme is a two-year training programme that helps doctors gain clinical experience and progress to specialty training. Depending on your previous training and GMC registration status, you may not need to complete this stage.
Applying for Specialty Training in Scotland
Oriel is the UK-wide recruitment system used to apply for specialty and GP training programmes, including those in Scotland. You can explore training opportunities, check eligibility requirements and submit applications online.
NHS Recruitment Process
Find guidance on applying for NHS Scotland roles, from searching and applying for vacancies through to interview preparation and pre-employment checks.
Explore these useful resources to support your journey to working and living in Scotland.
Working as a GP in Scotland
General Practitioners (GPs) play a central role in healthcare across Scotland, providing community-based care and coordinating support for patients.
Scotland offers opportunities for GPs to develop careers in Clinical practice, Medical education, Leadership and management and more.
Find out more about working as a GP in Scotland using the resources below.
Rural and Remote Careers
Scotland is internationally recognised for its remote and rural healthcare services. Doctors working in rural areas often take on a broader scope of practice, with earlier exposure to leadership and procedural skills.
Working in rural settings can offer:
- Broad and varied clinical experience
- Earlier opportunities to develop leadership skills
- Greater procedural exposure
- Close integration with local communities
- Diverse and rewarding career opportunities
Find further information on remote and rural training pathways, career development and living in Scotland's rural communities.
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